A top envoy to US President Donald Trump has requested that a European nation replace Iran at this summer’s 2026 World Cup.
Despite the tournament — which will take place across the US, Mexico and Canada — being just 49 days away, Iran’s participation remains uncertain.
Since a US-Israeli strike killed then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28, the nations have become embroiled in conflict, which has also impacted neighbouring states such as Lebanon.
Sport has also been affected, with the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix cancelled.
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Meanwhile, Iran have already qualified for this summer’s World Cup, but their participation remains uncertain.
Earlier this month, FIFA turned down the Iranian Football Federation’s request to play their matches in Mexico rather than the US, with all three of their group matches — against Egypt, New Zealand and Belgium — currently scheduled to take place in the US.
Despite FIFA turning down the request, the organisation’s president, Gianni Infantino, has insisted that Iran will be at the World Cup “for sure”.
Iran’s Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali issued a further update in response to Infantino’s remarks earlier this week.
“Today we also have a meeting within the framework of this discussion, and we are fulfilling our legal duty,” he said.
“We must be prepared. In any case, it might be decided not to go. And if it is decided to go, we should be prepared anyway, so that our presence, if it is to be, is a strong presence. But again, I emphasise that, in this area, decision-making is based on the conditions that exist today, with the government and probably the National Security Council.”
Trump and Infantino urged to intervene
On Wednesday (April 22), the FT reported that a top envoy to Trump has urged FIFA to replace Iran with Italy at the World Cup.
Italy failed to progress from UEFA’s play-off, losing to Bosnia on penalties in March.
Paolo Zampolli has urged Infantino and Trump to intervene, arguing that Italy warrant a spot in the tournament over Iran.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup. I’m an Italian native, and it would be a dream to see the Azzurri at a US-hosted tournament. With four titles, they have the pedigree to justify inclusion,” Zampolli told the FT.
Trump has previously said that Iran was “welcome” to attend the World Cup, while also advising them to stay at home “for their own life and safety”.
The tournament gets underway on June 11 with Mexico set to face South Africa.
Topics: Italy, Donald Trump, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, Football
Luke Davies